Book Review: Luster by Raven Leilani

Author: Raven Leilani

Title: Luster

Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Romance

Format: Paperback

Pages: 240

Published: August 4, 2020

Where I got It: My shelf (gift)

Summary: 

Luster sees a young Black woman fall into art and someone else's open marriage. Edie is stumbling her way through her twenties--sharing a subpar apartment in Bushwick, clocking in and out of her admin job, making a series of inappropriate sexual choices. She's also, secretly, haltingly, figuring her way into life as an artist. And then she meets Eric, a digital archivist with a family in New Jersey, including an autopsist wife who has agreed to an open marriage--with rules. As if navigating the constantly shifting landscapes of contemporary sexual manners and racial politics weren't hard enough, Edie finds herself unemployed and falling into Eric's family life, his home. She becomes a hesitant friend to his wife and a de facto role model to his adopted daughter. Edie is the only Black woman who young Akila knows.Razor-sharp, darkly comic, sexually charged, socially disruptive, Luster is a portrait of a young woman trying to make sense of her life in a tumultuous era. It is also a haunting, aching description of how hard it is to believe in your own talent and the unexpected influences that bring us into ourselves along the way.

Review:

I was given this book as a gift, but I have been curious about it. There was a lot of interest when this first came out a few years ago. 

Here, we follow Edie as she tries to make sense of her life. She starts up an affair with a man whose wife is okay with an open marriage...but with strict rules. Edie soon finds herself unemployed and falling face-first into her lover's family life and home. 

I feel like people love or are meh about this book. I don't know where I fully sit on this book. 

There were some things I liked and some things I didn't. 

My biggest issue was the writing style. It felt so...choppy. It didn't flow right and kept taking me out of the story. It felt so jarring! I did like the observations and the inner monologue parts, but the story itself felt so choppy and disjointed. 

I also can't buy this as a romance. It felt so awkward, and I was just waiting for the other shoe to drop at any minute. This really should just be a...not chick lit but something else. I'm blanking on a good genre to shove this in. 

Honestly, I liked reading about Edie and Rebecca the most. I enjoyed seeing that relationship form and morph. I also adored little Akila! 

And the ending....left me feeling nothing. It just ended. 

But yes...some good, but a lot of bad. I'll give this 3 stars. Maybe the audio would've been a hair better!

Audiobook Review: A Tale of Faerie by Dina Gregory

Author: Dina Gregory

Narrator: Holli Dempsey

Title: A Tale of Faerie

Genre: Fiction, Short story, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook 

Published: May 22, 2020

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

When Jasmine moves to an old cottage in the countryside, nothing goes right. She itches at night, keeps losing small things or finds them in odd places. Only after an encounter with the famous neighbour do things magically improve for Jasmine.

This Devonshire story puts the fairy in fairytale.

Review:

Going through a few shorts since my attention span has been little to nothing the last couple of weeks. The cover of this little gem and the title caught my eye for sure. 

Here we follow little Jasmine, who is forced to move to an old cottage in the countryside with her family. She itches at night, keeps losing things, finds things in weird places, and she feels like she is being watched. After an encounter with her famous neighbor, maybe...just maybe things will improve. 

This was short and whimsical. Gotta love the fae.

I wish we had more interaction with the fantasy element of the story, but it was sweet. 

The narrator was lovely and fit. 

4 stars. Def a nice listen if you need something quick while you work outside or craft. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #34

Audiobook Review: The Mistake by Elle Kennedy

 

Author: Elle Kennedy

Narrator: Lorelei Avalon & Lee Samuels

Title: The Mistake

Series: Off-Campus #2

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary Romance

Format: Audiobook 

Published: April 28, 2015

Where I Got It: Audible

Summary: 

He's a player in more ways than one… College junior John Logan can get any girl he wants. For this hockey star, life is a parade of parties and hook-ups, but behind his killer grins and easygoing charm, he hides growing despair about the dead-end road he'll be forced to walk after graduation. A sexy encounter with freshman Grace Ivers is just the distraction he needs, but when a thoughtless mistake pushes her away, Logan plans to spend his final year proving to her that he's worth a second chance. Now he's going to need to up his game… After a less than stellar freshman year, Grace is back at Briar University, older, wiser, and so over the arrogant hockey player she nearly handed her V-card to. She's not a charity case, and she's not the quiet butterfly she was when they first hooked up. If Logan expects her to roll over and beg like all his other puck bunnies, he can think again. He wants her back? He'll have to work for it. This time around, she'll be the one in the driver's seat…and she plans on driving him wild.

Review:

Been itching to get to book 2. Originally I was waiting for it to arrive from the library, but I couldn't wait, so I used an Audible credit to get a copy asap. The wait at the library was willllllllllllllld.

We are back at Briar. This time we are with Logan, who is trying to get over his crush anyway he can. Enter in Grace. There is more than a spark between them, and Logan messes up by saying something dumb. He realizes Grace is everything he has ever wanted, so he has to get her back. 

Oh sweet, sweet Logan. You are so sweet but yet so dumb. Bless his lil heart. I'm so glad Grace made him work really hard to get her back, because she deserves the best of the best. Logan IS the best for her, but that work was good for him lolll. 

Ugh Logan's backstory kills me. I feel so bad for him and his brother. :/

That ending scene before the epilogue! Oh, my heart!

I ended up doing the audio this time around. Our male voice was great. The female voice? Ehhhhhhh not so much. I did warm up to it, but it took a while

Overall, I really, really enjoyed this one. I liked Grace, and I liked Logan. It was very sweet watching them go from just hooking up to more. I liked watching them grow and learn. I can't WAIT for Dean's story!!!!! 4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #30

 

Book Review: The Chase by Elle Kennedy

Author: Elle Kennedy

Title: The Chase

Series: Briar U #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary, New Adult

Format: ebook

Pages: 374

Published:  August 4, 2018

Where I got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

Everyone says opposites attract. And they must be right, because there’s no logical reason why I’m so drawn to Colin Fitzgerald. I don’t usually go for tattoo-covered, video-gaming, hockey-playing nerd-jocks who think I’m flighty and superficial. His narrow view of me is the first strike against him. It doesn’t help that he’s buddy-buddy with my brother.

And that his best friend has a crush on me.

And that I just moved in with them.

Oh, did I not mention we’re roommates?

I suppose it doesn’t matter. Fitzy has made it clear he’s not interested in me, even though the sparks between us are liable to burn our house down. I’m not the kind of girl who chases after a man, though, and I’m not about to start. I’ve got my hands full dealing with a new school, a sleazy professor, and an uncertain future. So if my sexy brooding roomie wises up and realizes what he’s missing?

He knows where to find me.

Review:

I had a couple of people recommend this book, and it was available at the library (after waiting in line for a couple of weeks). Why not? Love hockey romances! This is technically a spin-off (methinks) from a different series. I still need to read that series. One day!!!!!!

Here we follow Fitz and Summer. The two couldn't be more different. Summer loves fashion and tries to look at the positives in life. She messed up big, but she has been given a second chance! Fitz is a grumpy and gruff hockey player. There is a spark between them, but she overheard him calling her superficial and just "fluff". She won't chase a man, so she'll just have to ignore him even though he is one of her roommates. 

This started off......meh. I struggled the first 50 pages-ish. I don't want to say it but I can't think of a better word(s)...it was so awkward and cringey. Some of the dialogue made me roll my eyes and made me appreciate not being in my early 20s. However, things leveled out and did get better. I think the author stopped trying so hard to sound like a college kid.

I didn't like Fitz or Summer at first either, but I warmed up to them once we got past the surface-level. Still found them mid by the end. Eh. I think they are side characters in the original series, so maybe I would've liked them more there? Mmmmm. I finally got the first book from the original series from the library, so we shall see. 

I also didn't buy Summer's insta-friendship with Bee. I warmed up too that as we went along. But it still felt so sudden.

But yeah. This was entertaining enough, and it did keep me up one night, so that's a plus? It all felt......shallow? Don't get me wrong, I like a carefree romance, but the author tried to make this deep, but it just didn't strike. Maybe I am getting too old for college romances. 

Overall, 3 stars from me. It was entertaining enough, and I ended up warming up to our mains. 

Reading Challenges:

- Library Love #15

Audiobook Review: Murder at Raven's Edge by Louise Marley

Author: Louise Marley

Narrator: Christopher Bonwell
Title: Murder at Raven's Edge

Series: An English Village Mystery #1

Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller, Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  May 7, 2024
Where I Got It: Audible 

Summary: 

When Milla Graham returns to her childhood home of Raven's Edge after eighteen long years away, she finds the perfect English village looks much the same – all rose-covered cottages, nosy neighbours, and chintzy teashops full of scones and gossip.

But her nostalgic visit takes a dark turn when the body of a local woman is discovered in an abandoned manor house on the edge of the forest. The murder scene is chillingly close to that of Milla’s own mother, whose death was never solved. As she begins to investigate the connection, Milla realizes this adorable village is guarding some dark secrets.

Handsome, grumpy local policeman Ben Taylor doesn't believe in coincidences, and he doesn’t think mysterious newcomer Milla Graham is as innocent as she seems. Why is she really here in Raven’s Edge, and how come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes, causing trouble? Can he solve this murder case without losing himself – or his heart – to the rather distracting Miss Graham?

When another body is found, everyone becomes a suspect – from the barmaid at the local pub to Milla Graham herself. It seems that in Raven's Edge, not everybody is as friendly, or as innocent, as they first seem...

Review:

This was my pick for book club!

Here we follow Milla and Ben. Ben is a grouchy policeman who doesn't believe in coincidences, and he doesn't trust newcomer Milla Graham. Why is she really here in Raven's Edge? How come she keeps turning up at his crime scenes? There is a murder, and she is connected somehow. Milla returns home to Raven's Edge after 18 years. She is here to figure out who really killed her mother and why. When a body shows up that is eerily similar to her mother's...she knows that her life could be in danger. Can she trust Ben? Can she trust herself? 

It took me a minute to get fully into the story. I didn't like Milla. I didn't trust her. Every other word is a lie. I guess I'm a grumpy man like Ben hahahaha. But once we really got past her web of lies to others and to herself, I grew to like her. I wanted the truth to come out. 

Honestly... my biggest takeaway from this book is that if people told the truth, none of this would have happened! Yes, some lies were meant to protect, but in the end...it made things worse. I wanted to shake everyone. THE TRUTH SHALL SET YOU FREEEEEEE!

I enjoyed the mystery and uncovering it. There were times I was super confused, but then by the end it ALL made sense. The ending made me happy. 

The narrator did an okay job. His voices for characters weren't that different, so you really had to pay attention. 

Overall, I did end up liking this story. The beginning and the one main character were a slow start for me, but it was worth it. Nice mystery and interesting charatcers. I know there was a murder there...but can I move to the town? It sounds like an adorable small town. 

4 stars from me. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #24

Audiobook Review: Marriage by Arrangement by Sophia Singh Sasson

Author: Sophia Singh Sasson

Narrator: Sharmila Devar
Title: Marriage by Arrangement

Series: (Nights at the Mahal, Book 1)

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published:  August 1, 2020
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible) 

Summary: 

When a business proposal turns

very personal…

Rule #1: Don’t fall for the client.

Because he’ll rock your world…

Architect Rani Gupta will never let a man compromise her career or freedom again. Which is a problem now that her newest client is irresistible hotelier Arjun Singh—aka the sexiest bachelor in India. A little fling with this gorgeous man would be scandal enough. But a fake engagement might just be more trouble than they bargained for—especially if Arjun has a prior arrangement!

Review:

Randomly stumbled upon this while looking for something else. Yayyyyy! And it fits a challenge? Even better. 

Here we have Rani and Arjun. Rani is an architect, and Arjun needs a firm to help build his newest hotel. There are sparks immediately, but that can never be. Rani will never let a man and his family compromise her career or freedom EVER again. Arjun is supposed to marry a childhood friend, but neither of them wants it, and neither of them can find the courage to tell their families. Nothing can happen between them....nothing at all, but the universe has other plans. 

This was a lot of fun. I liked Rani and Arjun a lot. I loved watching them get to know each other and eventually fall into lust and then love. It was sweet. I did hate that Arjun didn't tell her of his engagement, BUT 1) Arjun and his "fiancé" made a pact they can date whomever and eventually they'll break it off or delay it for as long as they can, and 2) it was just a fling. He should've mentioned it, though, but I get why he didn't. 

I hated their families. Yes, yes, traditional values and etc, but GAH. I wanted to hit them all. They all eventually see the errors of their ways, but man, it killed me seeing Rani and Arjun treated like that. :/ I was very annoyed that there wasn't more resolution and more time for them to try and make it up to them. There needed to be more apologies and more conversation. It didn't sit well with me how quickly that was wrapped up and put to the side. 

The narration was lovely. Great voices and accents. 

All-in-all, I did like this one. It was not your A-typical boy-meets-girls and etc. It had a lot of differences and depth. Lots of twists and turns. 4 stars from me. 

 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #15

- Reading Romance Challenge #12 (Office romance)

Book Review: Dandelion Dreams by Susanne Ash

Author: Susanne Ash

Title: Dandelion Dreams

Series: The Alphabet Sweethearts

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Short Story

Format: ebook

Pages: 57

Published: February 18, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Andrew Carter thought he had his future all planned out—marriage to Emma Hawthorne, a shared life filled with love, and a family in their small hometown. But when Emma left to follow her artistic dreams, Andrew was left picking up the pieces of his heart. Now, years later, he’s built a life of his own, pouring his energy into Novel Sips, Juniper Falls’ favorite coffee shop and bookstore.

Emma never intended to break Andrew’s heart or to lose him entirely. When she discovered she was pregnant, she tried to reach him, but Andrew had disappeared. Now, their son Charlie is asking questions Emma can’t answer, and she’s tracked Andrew to the town he calls home. Walking into Novel Sips and seeing Andrew again brings back all the memories and all the feelings she thought she’d buried.

Andrew isn’t sure he can forgive Emma for leaving, even as old sparks reignite. And when he learns about Charlie, the son he never knew he had, the emotions between them grow even more complicated. As they navigate the past and their unexpected present, can Andrew and Emma find the courage to let go of old wounds and trust in the possibility of a second chance?

Review:

Another book of the series. I'm liking this town and these stories. :D 

In this one, we follow Andrew and Emma. Andrew thought they had it all when he started dating Emma. He wanted to marry her, but she wanted to follow her dreams and left. Years later, he has built a new life by opening a coffee/cafe house in Juniper Falls. Emma never wanted to lose Andrew forever. She tried reaching out to him to let him she was pregnant but he had disappeared. Years later, she has finally found him. Old sparks reignite, but can Andrew forgive her? Can Emma? 

Second chance stories are soooo hard for me to like. It all depends on the situation and the ways they work toward forgiveness. I struggled with this one. Yes, Emma did "try" to find Andrew...sure....but c'mon. You had zero ways? NO ONE knew? IDK. It just bugged me. And like why didn't Andrew just go with her? All of these issues could've be resolved but everyone was just too darn stubborn. GAH.

This is a short story so maybe I would've connected better if I had more time and got to see more of the past and more of the work of forgiveness. It was all so easily resolved in 50+ pages. 

Not my fave of the series, but I will read more. This is an adorable series and I like Hazel a lot....I love this dang town. 

2 stars from me. 

Audiobook Review: The Reunion by Meghan Quinn

Author: Meghan Quinn

Narrator: Lidia Dornet, Teddy Hamilton, Laurie West, Rock Engle, CJ Bloom, & Stephen Borne
Title: The Reunion

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Chick Lit
Format: Audiobook
Published: February 22, 2022
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Martin and Peggy Chance believe love should last a lifetime. With their fiftieth wedding anniversary on the horizon, they’ve modeled a beautiful relationship for their three grown children. But to their dismay, that lesson hasn’t quite caught on—the three siblings just can’t seem to take a chance and find love in their own lives.

There’s Ford, the eldest, devoted to his work and resistant to romance…or so he claims. Cooper, the middle child, can’t get past his divorce—until he reconnects with a feisty baker from his past. And Palmer, the baby of the family, is the free-spirited world traveler who always pictured herself with someone other than a handsome small-town family doctor.

When the Chance siblings come together to plan the ultimate anniversary party for their parents, they’ll have to navigate romantic entanglements, sibling rivalries, and the definitive end of their childhood. Whatever happens, The Reunion promises to be a fun, flirty, wild ride.

Review:

Eeeek. Another review I have delayed in writing. I finished this a couple of days ago. Can life slow down for two seconds?

The family is back together for Martin's and Peggy's wedding anniversary. They have led a beautiful life and had a love story to last the ages, but their three grown children seem to be going down a bad path. Ford, the oldest, is too devoted to work and has no time for love. Cooper, the middle one, can't get past his divorce. Palmer, the baby of the family, is a free spirit who travels the world, but can't get over the boy at home. The three have drifted apart, and there is so much resentment. Will the three finally talk and find the love they have for each other and for themselves? Will they allow love with the people they are meant to be?

I would divide and conquer this book, but I have nothing bad to say. I really loved it.

I loved that there is romance and family drama. 

The small town is adorable.

There is a lot going on and a lot of characters running around, but the author did a lovely job keeping a handle on it and never letting the reader get lost. 

The ending had me in tears. 

Can I just say???? I love Martin and Peggy!!!!! I want them to have their own book. I would love to see them fall in loveeee. They are gems.

We had a lot of narrators, and they all did great!  

But yes. No issue. I loved this story so much. 

5 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #12

- Reading Romance Challenge #10 (Small Town romance)

Book Review: Wild Scottish Knight by Tricia O'Malley

Author: Tricia O'Malley

Title: Wild Scottish Knight

Series: The Enchanted Highlands #1

Genre: Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ebook

Pages: 316

Published: April 4, 2023

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

Opposites attract in this modern-day fairytale when American, Sophie MacKnight, inherits a Scottish castle along with a hot grumpy Scotsman who is tasked with training her to be a magickal knight before the Kelpies wreak havoc on the people of Loren Brae.

The knight was supposed to be a man.

Not me, Sophie MacKnight, a marketing associate from California.

This must be a practical joke that the Scots play on visiting Americans. Because otherwise I’ve inherited a haunted castle in Scotland, along with one irritatingly sexy Scotsman, who would be delighted if I turned tail and ran.

Frankly, I thought I would fly here, sell the heap of bricks, and head back home to a life that I…well, I was comfortable with at the very least. Instead, the people of Loren Brae are in trouble, and it appears that as the new owner of the castle, I’m next in line to reinstate the magickal Order of Caledonia. Which means, first, I have to learn to believe in magick. And secondly, I have to train to become a knight.

And my trainer? None other than Lachlan Campbell, the grumpiest man I’ve ever had the annoyance of meeting. It’s a toss-up who is pricklier, Lachlan, or his kilted Chihuahua, Sir Buster. Not only does Lachlan think that I can’t hack it, but he also resents my claim on his castle.

If only he didn’t look so devastatingly hot in his kilt.

Now, I’m stuck proving myself to him, all while trying to figure out how to help my new friends in Loren Brae.

Sparks fly as our swords meet, and we battle our rising attraction for each other.

Who will win in this (Highland) game of love?

Review:

I adore this author, so I had to check this one out. 

Sophie has inherited a Scottish castle from her beloved uncle. When she arrives, there is alot more than just having a castle to renovate....there are Kelpies out to destroy the village, she is a Knight, she has to learn magic, there are ghosts, and there is a grumpy man who doesn't seem to want her there. 

This was a hoot. I had a lot of fun with our characters and the situation. Poor Sophie. That is a lot to take on, but she needed this adventure. She was stuck in a life she didn't truly want. 

This was def a "light" fantasy, and I appreciated that. I didn't want to get too deep into the weeds of the magical world. Sure, there are real threats and some fights and dramatic moments, but it was cozy in a way. 

One thing that annoyed me was that I struggled with the chemistry between these two until near the end. Maybe he was too grumpy? I loveeeee grumpy, but maybe he was just too closed off for me to buy it. Maybe they were slightly overshadowed because of the chemistry between two side characters. Their banter was on fire. Can we see them finally fall in love? IDK. I just didn't really feel their chemistry at first. 

Other than that, I had a lot of fun with this story. This felt more like a fantasy chick lit tbh. 

4 stars. 

Audiobook Review: Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce

Author: Kristy Boyce

Narrator: Abigail Reno
Title: Dating and Dragons

Series: Gaming and Romance #2

Genre: YA, Romance, Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: December 31, 2024
Where I Got It: My shelf (gift)

Summary: 

Quinn Norton is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to making friends. The plan sounds even better when she’s invited into a group that includes Logan Weber, the cute and charming guy she met on her first day of class. But this isn’t your average D&D campaign— this group livestreams their games and enforces strict rules: no phones allowed, and no dating other group members.

Quinn is willing to accept the rules, even if it makes Logan off-limits. And she quickly learns that doing so won’t be a problem, since Logan goes from charismatic to insufferable as soon as she agrees to join. As their bickering—and bantering—intensifies inside and outside the game, Quinn can’t help wondering: Is Logan’s infuriating behavior a smokescreen for hidden feelings? Quinn is risking it all, and the twenty-sided dice are rolling!

Review:

I was given this as a giftie because I had really loved book 1. It was so fun.

Here we have Quinn and Logan. Quinn is starting over at a new high school and hopes that joining a D&D game will be the trick to starting this new life with new friends. This sounds like a perfect plan when she notices that Logan is part of the group. He was nothing but smiles and kindness on her first day. This group has special and strict rules since they live stream their sessions: no phones and no dating other group members. She quickly learns the no-dating rule won't be a problem since Logan went from charming to insufferable as soon as he finds out she is joining the group. As their bickering and bantering intensify, Quinn can't help but wonder....is Logan's jerk behavior a smokescreen to hidden feelings? Would it be worth Quinn finding out?

This can be read as a standalone. This doesn't really tie into the other book. Different group and different school. There are some cameos, but you can read this one without the other one. Bummer, but oh well. 

This was very sweet, and I loved everyone. I especially loved Quinn's granny. She was hilarious and fun! She had me in stitches. I want to be her when I grow up!!!!!

Quinn was sweet. The girl needs some therapy, though. Her last group of friends was TOXIC with a capital T. 

Logan, once you see past the asshole-ness, is very sweet as well. Very charming. No wonder he plays a bard so well. 

There were a couple of little plot "twists" that were added. Sure, I get WHY...drama baby, drama...but it just bogged down the story a bit for my liking. I do not think it was necessary to add more fuel to the angst and pining for these two. Gah. Poor Quinn.

The narrator did a good job. All her teen boy voices were very similar, so you really have to focus and listen. But other than that - I liked her. She did well. 

In the end, I enjoyed this a lot. A nice new group of teens finding love in D&D and finding love at the table. The "live streaming" was a nice element. I hope we see them in the next book. Even a cameo would be nice. 

4 stars. 

Reading Challenges

- Audiobook #1

Book Review: A Lighthouse Cafe Christmas by Jennifer Faye

Author: Jennifer Faye

Title: A Lighthouse Cafe Christmas

Series: Bluestar Island #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Novella

Format: ebook

Pages: 184

Published: November 16, 2021

Where I got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

As Bluestar Island prepares for a very special Christmas wedding, Santa’s sleigh crashes into The Lighthouse Café, reuniting Bluestar’s beloved waitress with her former fiancé.

In this holiday novella, Darla Evans has carved out a quiet life for herself as a waitress at The Lighthouse Café. Up until this point, she’s conveniently avoided the one man who shattered her heart and her dreams. But when a wedding draws him back to the island, she knows their meetup is unavoidable.

Tech entrepreneur William “Will” Campbell has returned to his childhood home to be the best man in his father’s wedding. But first his father has a very special task for him—to restore a sleigh in time for the wedding. However, there’s not much time until Christmas. He just might need some help.

As snowflakes cover the small town of Bluestar, Will and Darla work together to make it a very special holiday wedding. With the past looming between them, will the magic of the season open their hearts and allow them to find love again?

Review:

Continuing on with the series! I've been excited about this one...mainly because of the cover lol. 

Here we have Darla and Will. Darla has been living a nice and simple and quiet life as a waitress. She has successfully avoided Will since he broke her heart years ago. However, there is a wedding coming and she knows Will will be there. Will is back to be the best man at his father's wedding. His father has tasked him to restore a sleigh for the wedding. There isn't much time, so he will need some help. Will and Darla must work together but their past is looming around them. Will the magic of the season help erase the old hurts and let them try again?

Oh no. I am in the minority here...............

I didn't really like this one. I struggled to like Darla or Will. I struggled to care. I think it would've been better if they just stayed friends. 

I managed to push through because I was curious to see how they would fix everything (sleigh and their broken hearts). I also have liked the series up until now so I was hopeful it would eventually suck me in. 

Sadly......not for me. But I love the cover!

2 stars from me.

 

Audiobook Review: Sweet as Sin by JT Geissinger

Author: JT Geissinger

Narrator: Teri Clark Linden
Title: Sweet as Sin

Series: Bad Habit #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format: Audiobook
Published: July 14, 2015
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Twentysomething Kat Reid is loving life as an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has absolutely no interest in rock ’n’ roll, but in order to pay the mortgage, she agrees to work on the set of a rock video for the world-famous rockers known as Bad Habit…which brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx, lead singer of Bad Habit and Adonis in the flesh.

However, the fiercely independent Kat isn’t impressed by the hard-living, womanizing rock star. But when Nico’s model girlfriend shows up to the set drunk and Kat is tapped to replace her as the video’s sexy bride, her combustible chemistry with Nico suddenly threatens to consume the set. Nico feels it, too—and becomes determined to win Kat over, body and soul. Yet behind his rock god swagger, Nico hides a dark secret. Can he rock Kat’s world forever, or will he just break her heart?

Review:

Yayy! Last book of this reading challenge! And look at that!!! Waaaay before the end of the year. ;)

Here we follow Kat Reid who is an in-demand Hollywood makeup artist. She has seen the underbelly of the Hollywood and music world and she wants no real part in it, but she likes doing makeup and paying her bills. Last minute she is dragged into being in a rock video with Bad Habit. This brings her face-to-face with Nico Nyx...the lead singer. She has no real interest (yes, he looks like a Greek God) but he is determined to make her his. 

I do not think I like rock stars. I've read a couple over the years and they aren't my favorite. Mmmmmm. 

I especially wasn't a huge fan of Nico. He is pushy and possessive. Oh and his temper? Eh. LOTS of red flags with this fella. Yes, he has trauma from his past and the secrets he's holding, but that doesn't excuse a lot of his behaviors. KAT RUUUUUUUN! That boy needs some serious help. I love a bad boy, but there were a lot of things that I didn't like. 

Kat also has some issues, but I wouldn't consider her a red flag. Her biggest thing is fear of commitment and people-pleasing. 

Some of the band mates seem okay. The next book is about one that also seems to have red flag vibes. I may stop while I'm ahead. 

The narrator did a good job. 

But yes....maybe not for me. The drama was fun but I couldn't really get past the worrisome red flags. 

2 stars. 

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #59

- Romance Reading #25 (MC is a rockstar)

Audiobook Review: Against the Clock by Brittany Kelley

Author: Brittany Kelley

Narrator: Greyson Ash, Lee Samuels
Title: Against the Clock

Series: Wilmington Football #1

Genre: Sports Romance, Contemporary
Format: Audiobook
Published: April 6, 2023
Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

I'll never date a football player— but all the veteran quarterback wants? Me.

Daniel

My life’s defined by my long career as a quarterback. I’m determined to have a great season, because I’m not sure how many I have left. But when I slam into gorgeous reporter Kelsey Cole on the sidelines, my focus on the game takes a backseat to my fascination with her. She’s tiny, smart, and fierce, and she makes me feel young again. Only one problem: she hates football—with good reason, too. Still, you don’t become a champion quarterback without learning how to fight for what you want.

Football’s always come first, but Kelsey might be the one to change that.

Kelsey

The last thing I need is to get involved with huge and handsome quarterback Daniel Harrison. Under all those muscles he’s hiding charm and a surprising intellect— an irresistible combination. I can’t deny our chemistry, but I can’t stand what he does for a living. Not to mention, once the internet starts shipping us, the spotlight becomes unbearable.

The fans will hate me even more when they find out I’m writing a piece that could leave the league they love in shambles.

There’s no future for the hot quarterback and I— so why can’t I say goodbye?

Review:

One of my private goals was to read a football romance at some point this year. Earlier this year, I realized I hadn't read many football romances over the years. Mainly, hockey ones. So I decided I wanted to try and read one or two this year. I found this little one on Audible. 

Here we follow Kelsey and Daniel. Daniel is a veteran quarterback who is nearing the end of his career. Kelsey is a reporter who wants nothing to do with football or football players. One day, while she is on the sideline working on her investigative piece, Daniel accidentally runs into her. To make it up to her, he takes her out for some grub. There is an attraction, but it seems impossible. 

At first, I thought this was going to be such a shallow love story. The lust and love happened SO fast. Too fast to be perfectly frank. However, we did get some depth! I was happy as a clam. Again, the lust and love happen quickly, but they have a lot of trauma and trust to dig through. Kelsey has some good reasons why she hates the football world. And Daniel is having some personal and career questions. I'm happy that we did get the depth. It helped flush out the story a bit. 

The beginning was slightly cringy. There is no way that scene would've played out. The quarterback would've helped her up and run off. I could be wrong, and maybe the clock would've paused to make sure there wasn't an injury on the sidelines. I don't think so, though. 

I am bummed that we didn't learn more about the piece that Kelsey wrote about the cheerleaders and how they were being mistreated by the league. I wanted to know what she found. It was sooooo glossed over. The next book stars one of the cheerleaders, so maybe we'll learn more than?? 

The narrators did a lovely job. I would've liked more time with the male narrator. I think Daniel needed more time in the spotlight. 

Overall, I did have fun with this story. It was super, DUPER spicy, and I think I would fall for Daniel too. What a sweetheart!!!!! I loved the depth we were given, but the love and lust were waaaay too quick. We needed more time to see them develop this. Maybe date 2? LOL, I also wanted to see more of Kelsey's work being shown and talked about. Just a hair more. Maybe this will be talked about more in book 2, which I am curious about. 

I'll stamp this with 3 stars.

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #58

Books and Reviews: The Pumpkin Spice Spell by Erin Branscom

Author: Erin Branscom

Title: The Pumpkin Spice Spell

Series: Wisteria Cove #1

Genre: Contemporary Romance, Paranormal

Format: Ebook

Pages: 326

Published: September 10, 2025

Where I got It: Kindle Unlimited

Summary: 

In Wisteria Cove, love is messy, magic is real, and pumpkin spice fixes almost everything… almost.

Willa Maren has a bookstore café, two meddling sisters, a witchy mother who swears by candle spells… and a big Tate Holloway is back in town.

Her first love. Her heartbreak. The boy next door, who left, is now back, looking entirely too hot in flannel.

The whole town is matchmaking, her sisters are firmly on Team Tate, and even their mother, Lilith Maren seems to stir up a love spell or two.

But this time, Willa’s determined to protect her heart, even if it takes every ounce of magic she’s got.

For readers who believe in second chances… and a little small-town magic.

Review:

Grabbed this because of the cover and it was labeled as a Halloween romance which I wanted and needed in my life. 

Here we follow Willa and Tate. Tate was Willa's first love and her first heartbreak. When he left, she decided love may not be for her. She only needs her bookstore cafe and her family even if they like to meddle. Years later....Tate is back. And it will take all her willpower and magic power to protect her heart. 

Was there magic? Sure. It was so limited it didn't feel like a paranormal/witchy book at all. We needed more. 

Also, we needed more Halloween-ness. It was there but again...lacking. 

I also didn't buy the chemistry between Willa and Tate. Sure it was there...but we needed more. 

This was entertaining overall, don't get it twisted....but it needed more of everything. It was light on everything. 

All-in-all, I'll give this 3 stars. Not bad. Loved the town and the characters, but it simply needed more on a lot of things.

 

 Challenge(s):

- Library Love #30

- Romance Reading #24 (Non-Xmas setting)

Audiobook Review: Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies by Angie Fox

Author: Angie Fox

Narrator: Hollie Jackson

Title: Secrets, Lies, and Fireflies

Series: Southern Ghost Hunter Mysteries #14

Genre: Paranormal, Cozy Mystery

Format: Audiobook 

Published: August 5, 2025

Where I Got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: 

Verity’s grandmother returns to help Verity and Frankie solve a mystery that reveals a shocking family secret, as well as the heartwarming history of Verity’s home. This is one family reunion you don’t want to miss!

Review:

I love, love, love this series. I'm sad I'm all caught up and now have to wait for the next one???? WHAT!?!?!?! EEE. 

We are back with Verity and the gang. Things have found a nice calmness. However, things are about to be shook up when a fire breaks out at the library and Verity's grandmother's ghost returns. She is back to help Verity and Frankie with this mystery that is tied to a family secret. 

First off..........where did my beloved narrator go?! She IS Verity and all the other characters. I am so bummed she did not read this one. I should look it up and see why we has to switch. Don't get me wrong.......I did warm up to this narrator but it just wasn't the same. 

Besides my world being tilted because of the change of the narrator.......I enjoyed this one a lot. Verity will be face-to-face with her grandma who she loved so much. However, she has been scared that she disappointed her since the family house had to be stripped away when Verity had zero money years and years ago. Some things have been replaced but she has had a lot of guilt on her shoulders losing some of her grandma's things. I loved that Verity got this chance to finally get a chance to talk to her grandma and let go of this guilt.

I also loved watching Verity grow more. There were times she was acting so selfish in this book, but I get it. If my grandma came back from the light....I wouldn't want her to go back either. However, grandma staying wasn't going to help anyone. 

Frankie!!! I love him. My heart broke when he was all, "This is the only home I've ever had!" OMG. Some nice growth and emotional break throughs for this boy. 

And Lucy. They true MVP!!!!!

I love them all!!!!

Ooo and the mystery was so good. I don't want to spoil anything! 

All-in-all, I enjoyed this one and the series is still as good as book 1. Some ups and some less ups (hehe), but all good overall. I can't wait for the next book! I hope and pray our old narrator comes back, but this new one did okay overall. 4 stars from me. 

Favorite Character(s): Lucy!!! And I do love Ellis a lot

Least Favorite Character(s): Our baddie and that lawyer fella!

 Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #40

- Cloak & Dagger #25